Co-operation · Ch 9 — Co-operative Education and Training
Need and Importance of Co-operative Education and Training
Need and Importance of Co-operative Education and Training
2. Need and Importance of Co-operative Education and Training
Co-operative education and training are not optional extras — they are essential to the very survival and success of the movement. The main reasons are set out below.
(1) A co-operative is run by its own members. Unlike a company managed by professional directors chosen for their expertise, a co-operative is controlled democratically by members who may be ordinary farmers, workers or consumers. They can control it wisely only if they understand co-operation. Education makes such meaningful participation possible.
(2) Informed members strengthen democratic control. The whole idea of "one member, one vote" assumes that members will attend meetings, question the committee, and vote sensibly. Ignorant or indifferent members leave the door open to domination by a small group. Education keeps democratic control real.
(3) Efficient management needs trained personnel. A modern co-operative — a large credit society, a sugar factory, a district bank — is a complex business. Keeping accurate accounts, following co-operative law, conducting audit, handling banking and marketing all require skill. Training produces the secretaries, managers and staff who can run societies efficiently and honestly.
(4) Competent, honest leadership. Trained and educated office-bearers understand their duties and responsibilities, are less likely to mismanage funds, and can provide better leadership. Much of the mismanagement seen in weak societies can be traced to untrained committees and staff.
(5) It preserves the co-operative character. There is a constant danger of a co-operative drifting into a purely profit-seeking business, or into a body controlled by a few. Education keeps alive the co-operative values and principles, so the society stays true to its purpose.
(6) It helps the movement grow. By informing the general public — especially the youth and opinion leaders — about the benefits of co-operation, education attracts new members and helps new societies to form. This is how the movement renews itself for the future. …
Control of a co-operative by its members through 'one member, one vote'; it works effectively only when members are well-informed, which is why edu …